One of Williams’ more accessible novels, I would recommend this as a fantastic place to start if you are new to his ideas. Exploring the concept of power and Powers, Williams frames his story around Tarot cards and reveals that the places where we anchor our trust are more real than we hope for sometimes. Readers of Lewis, Tolkien, and MacDonald will relish the spiritual truths through which the characters wrestle. Those interested in the occultic cards will see the fruit of the Great Dance.
Mr. Coningsby has inherited an ancient pack of Tarot cards—so ancient that it might be the original deck, most closely connected to the Figures in the Dance. His daughter’s fiancée, of gypsy origin, is willing to stop at no ends to find out if this is THE deck that will allow him and his grandfather to control the fates. To this end, Henry lures the Coningsbys to grandfather’s house for Christmas, which turns into a holiday that no one will forget. Nancy, in particular, finds herself poised between the warring powers, with Henry on one side and her Aunt Sybil on the other, who encourages her to try to engage in the Adoration of Love that descends at Christmas. Even in her first halting steps in love, Nancy finds herself surrounded by and filled with a Power beyond all powers, which helps to save the household from the powers that are beyond Henry’s control.
A fascinating battle with clear-cut characters who each must face their own personal journeys in various ways. I found Sybil so endearing, even though her pronouncement at the end created a rather abrupt resolution.
That Lady Who Reads A Lot 
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